Manchester United have rejected claims that teenage American wonderkid Freddy Adu is to join the club on trial later this month.

Reports had suggested the DC United player, who has been touted for superstardom since his early teens, would fulfil a lifetime ambition by joining the Old Trafford club for a fortnight in the hope of securing a permanent contract. However, the Premiership leaders have reacted quickly to dismiss talk of Adu coming to the club, insisting they are not interested in the player.

"Major League Soccer's Freddy Adu will not be attending a trial with Manchester United as has been reported on both sides of the Atlantic," read a United statement. The Washington Post ran a story this week, which was picked up by English papers with quotes from Adu claiming the Reds are still monitoring the teenage striker's progress and that he is due to travel to Manchester on November 18 for a two-week trial.

"The reports contradict statements released last season in which United expressly pointed out that a Adu was not a player they are currently interested in. Despite the recent bout of speculation, United's stance has not changed and Adu will not be attending a trial."

Chelsea have also been linked with the 17-year-old, who became the youngest player in modern American sporting history to sign a professional contract in 2004. On April 17 of the same year, at the age of 14, he scored his first professional goal.